THE missing pilot whose plane disappeared off the Anglesey coast has been named as Professor David Last.

The 79-year-old was an Emeritus Professor at the University of Bangor, a past president of the Royal Institute of Navigation and a respected figure in the world-wide navigation community.

Prof Last's aircraft disappeared from radar in the area around Puffin Island, just off Penmon Point, Anglesey, at around 12.47pm on Monday.

The plane set off from Caernarfon Airport some 25 minutes earlier to fly to the Great Orme in Llandudno and was on its way back when it lost contact.

It prompted a two day search involving lifeboats, the police, HM coastguard teams and helicopter and RNLI crews.

Due to adverse weather conditions in the area, HM Coastguard confirmed that all search activities had today (Tuesday) been suspended for the day.

Professor Last’s family issued the following statement: “Professor David Last was a Consultant Engineer and Expert Witness specialising in Radio Navigation and Communications Systems.

"He was a Professor Emeritus at the University of Bangor, Past-President of the Royal Institute of Navigation and a respected figure in the world-wide navigation community.

"He was an experienced, instrument-rated pilot.

"Most importantly to us, he was head of the family: a much loved father, husband, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, and we are all heartbroken. We would appreciate respect for our privacy during this difficult time.”

North Wales Police family liaison officers continue to support Professor Last’s family.